Ulcerative Colitis Health Center

Patient Story: Diagnosed with UC at 13, Freda Still Managed to Build a Happy Life for Herself and Her Family

I developed ulcerative colitis when I was 13 years old and spent time in the London Hospital throughout my teen years. I was on steroid medications. When I was sick it was a nightmare but I can't say I didn't have fun as a teen. I married young and found myself pregnant at 20 years. I was very morning sick and it brought on a colitis episode. The doctors wanted to abort my baby but I said no. I was finally released from my doctor's care when I was 7 months and went back into the hospital at eight months with very high blood pressure. My son was born two days after my 21st birthday. He was perfectly healthy.

We had our daughter three years later. When she was eighteen months we came to Canada. After being here for nearly a year we decided to try for another baby but we were leery about the pills I was on. I went to a doctor and he told me to just quit taking my medications. Two weeks later I was taken into the emergency. I had lost 20 lbs. and was very ill. I had a battery of tests. They tried to pump barium into my bowels but it just ran right back out. They had concerns I had cancer on top of the colitis. My bowel had totally collapsed. I had five blockages and it had leaked throughout my other organs so I had an ileostomy. I recovered quite well.

We have since had three more lovely kids, I learned how to swim (that was huge for me) and have lived a grand life. I have had my ileostomy for 41 years now. I am 68 now, have 15 grandchildren and I am still in good health. If I can help anyone I would be very happy to. Live long and prosper guys!